Scotland’s tennis enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate as the country’s largest indoor tennis centre has opened its doors at Oriam, Scotland’s national sports performance centre. The £8.35 million facility, which was funded by sportscotland, Heriot-Watt University, Tennis Scotland and the Lawn Tennis Association, boasts six indoor courts and four outdoor clay courts, as well as a gym, a café and a viewing gallery.
A boost for tennis development and participation
The new tennis centre, which is located on the campus of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, aims to provide a boost for tennis development and participation in Scotland. It will serve as a hub for Tennis Scotland’s performance programme, as well as a venue for national and international events. It will also offer coaching, training and competition opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, from grassroots to elite level.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are delighted to welcome the new tennis centre to Oriam, which will enhance our world-class facilities and provide a fantastic resource for our students, staff and the wider community. We are proud to be part of this collaborative project, which will support the growth and development of tennis in Scotland and beyond.”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “This is a significant milestone for tennis in Scotland and a great example of what can be achieved when partners work together to deliver a shared vision. The new tennis centre at Oriam will provide a state-of-the-art environment for players and coaches to develop their skills and reach their potential, as well as increasing access and participation for people of all backgrounds and abilities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment on Scottish tennis for years to come.”
A legacy for Scottish tennis
The new tennis centre at Oriam is part of a wider strategy to create a lasting legacy for Scottish tennis, following the success of home-grown stars such as Andy and Jamie Murray, Gordon Reid and Colin Fleming. The strategy, which is led by Tennis Scotland and supported by the Lawn Tennis Association, aims to increase the number of indoor and outdoor courts across the country, improve the quality and accessibility of coaching and facilities, and inspire more people to play and enjoy tennis.
Blane Dodds, Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, said: “This is a historic day for Scottish tennis and a huge step forward in our ambition to make tennis a sport for everyone. The new tennis centre at Oriam will provide a world-class training base for our performance players and coaches, as well as a fantastic facility for the local community and the wider tennis network. We are very grateful to all our partners for their support and commitment to this project, which will make a huge difference to the future of our sport.”
Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association, said: “We are thrilled to see the completion of this outstanding new tennis centre at Oriam, which will be a game-changer for tennis in Scotland. This project is a testament to the power of partnership and the shared vision we have with Tennis Scotland and sportscotland to grow the sport and open it up to more people. We are excited to see the new centre become a hub of activity and excellence for tennis lovers of all ages and abilities.”
